NHL Rumor Mill – November 17, 2023

by | Nov 17, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 17, 2023

The latest on contract talks involving the Leafs’ William Nylander and the Canucks’ Elias Pettersson, an update on Patrick Kane, and why the Bruins shouldn’t break up their goalie tandem in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON NYLANDER AND PETTERSSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there’s ongoing dialogue between Toronto Maple Leafs management and William Nylander’s representatives regarding a contract extension. Both sides remain tight-lipped as they keep the discussions out of the media.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

They’re hoping to get a deal done before July 1. However, it’s difficult to do so as Nylander’s strong performance this season is pushing up his leverage.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Remember the speculation suggesting Nylander’s asking price could be $10 million annually? I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s now around $11 million per season. If the Leafs can’t or won’t pay it, another team happily will, especially with the salary cap rising by a projected $4 million for 2024-25.

Nylander’s been underpaid for some time now and he wants fair market value on his next contract. No “hometown discounts”.

Darren Dreger said there’s less of a sense of urgency between the Vancouver Canucks and Elias Pettersson compared to what’s going on in Toronto with Nylander.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s because Pettersson is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July whereas Nylander is slated to become an unrestricted free agent

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said this week that there’s been good communication with the Pettersson camp. However, they haven’t yet reached the stage where they’re swapping numbers regarding dollars and terms. Dreger thinks there’s a chance this could get done during the season but we’ll have to wait and see.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If you think Nylander’s asking price is gonna be high, wait until you see what Pettersson gets if he’s willing to agree to a long-term deal with the Canucks. He’s currently jockeying with teammates Quinn Hughes and J.T. Miller for the points lead among this season’s NHL scorers. If Pettersson wins the Art Ross Trophy, his next contract could be between $12 million and $13 million annually.

UPDATE ON PATRICK KANE

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli pointed out the reason why the New York Rangers won’t be getting into the bidding for Patrick Kane. The way their salary-cap payroll for this season is currently structured they lack sufficient cap space to sign the 34-year-old winger.

Seravalli also indicated that Kane wants to sign soon, hopefully by the end of next week so he can stop answering this question.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane reportedly isn’t lacking for possible suitors. The Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to the future Hall-of-Famer, with the Sabres and Panthers said to have kept in touch since the offseason.

WHY THE BRUINS WON’T SPLIT UP THEIR GOALIE TANDEM

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss pointed out that the Bruins goaltending tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman has been bailing out the club’s leaky defense of late. That’s why it would make little sense to trade one or the other for a top-six center or a top-six winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams in dire need of a goaltending upgrade (hello there, Edmonton Oilers!) have been mentioned as possible trade partners if the Bruins were willing to part with Ullmark or Swayman. However, Bruins GM Don Sweeney is unlikely to move either guy.

Before the start of this season, Sweeney said that maintaining his goalie tandem would keep his club competitive as they adjust to the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Ullmark and Swayman have held up their end of the bargain thus far. They’re a big reason why the Bruins are jostling with the Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the overall standings.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 9, 2023

by | Nov 9, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 9, 2023

Possible goalie trade targets for the Oilers plus the latest on Patrick Kane, Noah Hanifin and an update on the Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

POTENTIAL GOALIE TARGETS FOR THE OILERS

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman speculated the Edmonton Oilers could be contemplating their options for a goaltending upgrade.

He noted reports linking the Oilers to St. Louis Blues starter Jordan Binnington but doubts that happens unless they’re giving up on the season. The Blues would have to replace Binnington and his $6 million average annual value and they won’t accept Jack Campbell in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t see the Blues giving up on the season. Binnington, meanwhile, has a full no-trade clause. Unless he agrees to waive it, he’s not going anywhere.

The Oilers have talked to the Montreal Canadiens (who don’t need a goalie) about Jake Allen but Friedman doesn’t sense anything imminent there.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are currently carrying three goalies in Allen, Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau. While they could attempt to move one of them, they won’t want a goalie in return.

The Habs would also likely have to retain half of Allen’s $3.85 million cap hit. However, they only have one salary retention spot left for this season and might prefer to keep that open for later in the season. Allen also has a seven-team no-trade list.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

Friedman mentioned Nashville Predators starter Juuse Saros but believes the asking price would put him out of reach for the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros is signed through 2024-25 and lacks no-trade protection. Back in October, Predators general manager Barry Trotz told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun that he’s already reached out to Saros’ agent to gauge their thoughts about discussing a contract extension.

Unless Saros intends on testing the 2025 free-agent market, I don’t expect Trotz will move him this season.

NHL WATCHER: Speaking of the Predators, TSN’s Ryan Rishaug on the “Got Yer Back” podcast yesterday suggested the Oilers pursue promising Yaroslav Askarov, who has great numbers with their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee. LeBrun, however, considered that to be too risky for the Oilers as Askarov hasn’t proven anything yet at the NHL level.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz acknowledged he considered moving Askarov before the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft in the hope of landing one of the top five selections. However, he’s since said that he intends to hang onto the promising netminder.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss acknowledged Oilers fans are looking longingly at Bruins goalie (and 2023 Vezina Trophy winner) Linus Ullmark now that Jeremy Swayman is off to a red-hot start in Boston. However, Goss doesn’t think it’s a good idea to move Ullmark unless the return is a top-tier player like Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers are reportedly on Ullmark’s 16-team no-trade list. Besides, the Bruins are off to a great start and have no reason to break up their dominating goalie tandem at this time.

THE LATEST ON PATRICK KANE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports it sounds like eight teams are “somewhat seriously” looking at free agent Patrick Kane. It’s believed the 34-year-old winger will be looking at where he can win this season.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston listed the New York Rangers (Kane’s previous team), Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs as the destinations that league sources believe are where he’s most likely to land.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nothing new here that I (and others) haven’t already gone over in recent weeks. Kane will reportedly start fielding offers from interested teams this month and is expected to make his choice before his anticipated return to action in December.

Of those clubs listed by Johnston, I think the Rangers are Kane’s best bet if he wants to play for a Stanley Cup contender. Whether they want to bring him back or can afford to do so remains to be seen.

MORE HANIFIN SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the San Jose Sharks contacted the Calgary Flames about Noah Hanifin but he doesn’t see them as a fit for the 26-year-old defenseman.

He also wondered about the improving Arizona Coyotes, who have the second-best goal differential in the Central Division and are pushing to make the playoffs. A contract extension from the Coyotes would benefit Hanifin and the Flames in terms of return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks made a move for a defenseman yesterday by acquiring Calen Addison from the Minnesota Wild.

The Coyotes have been a laughingstock for years but their rebuilding process is starting to bear fruit this season. They have a projected $43 million in cap space for next season with 11 active roster players under contract.

The Desert Dawgs can afford Hanifin under Friedman’s scenario. Whether they’d pursue and sign him is a completely different matter.

UPDATE ON THE SENATORS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Ottawa Senators have looked at depth defensive options to shore up their battered blueline but their limited cap space makes that difficult. They still intend to bring back center Shane Pinto once his 41-game suspension ends in the New Year and have no intention of trading him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of the Senators, there is no truth to a rumor that former NHL coach and Hockey Hall-of-Famer Patrick Roy was spotted in Kanata recently. 










NHL Rumor Mill – November 8, 2023

by | Nov 8, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 8, 2023

What next for the Oilers after placing Jack Campbell on waivers? Are the Canucks planning any big moves? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE OILERS AFTER DEMOTING CAMPBELL?

TSN: Chris Johnston believes the Oilers hope that Jack Campbell will regain his form playing for their AHL affiliate and return at some point to help them at the NHL level. In the meantime, they’re recalling Calvin Pickard, who makes considerably less than Campbell’s $5 million cap hit, allowing them to accrue more cap space for potential wheeling and dealing later in the season.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell (NHL Images).

Pierre LeBrun points out the difficulty the Oilers face in finding a goalie upgrade via the trade market. General manager Ken Holland isn’t dealing from a position of strength here. Any attempt at an upgrade would mean overpaying for a replacement for Campbell, who would also have to be traded in a separate deal.

As for a coaching change, LeBrun and Darren Dreger agree that Holland likely doesn’t want to replace head coach Jay Woodcroft just yet. If things continue to go sideways they could consider promoting assistant coach Glen Gulutzan.

Dreger also noted that owner Daryl Katz and his advisors are very involved in seeking solutions for what currently ails the Oilers. Among the questions being asked is whether it’s time to start peddling draft picks and prospects and try to shake up the current roster core right now.

Following the news yesterday of Campbell going on waivers before assignment to the AHL, TSN’s Oilers reporter Ryan Rishaug expressed his belief that there was no trade imminent to bring in a replacement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers’ limited salary cap space and that of most teams around the league leaves them with few options to improve their goaltending. The fact they’re demoting Campbell in the hope that he’ll regain his confidence and improve his performance speaks volumes to the difficulties they’re facing in addressing that glaring issue.

Replacing Woodcroft as head coach won’t make the goaltending any better. If anyone on the Oilers coaching staff should be feeling the heat it is Dustin Schwartz, who’s been their goalie whisperer since 2014.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun also pondered what missing the playoffs could mean for the Oilers’ hopes of signing Leon Draisaitl to a contract extension after this season. He’s got one year remaining on his current deal.

Emptying the cupboard to save the season could help the Oilers keep Draisaitl in the fold. However, it might be best to retain those assets in case he decides to move on.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Draisaitl goes when his contract expires in 2025, does Connor McDavid follow suit in 2026?

Yes, the Oilers hired McDavid’s former agent Jeff Jackson as their CEO of hockey operations this summer. However, that might not be enough to deter the Oilers captain from moving on if this club is still spinning its wheels by 2026 and Draisaitl is no longer on the roster.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Gerry Moddejonge noted that there are just as many alarm bells ringing over the Oilers’ struggling offense and defense as there have been over their goaltending. He wonders who else on the current roster could be next to get moved.

Moddejonge believes that the only real option to shake things up is a trade and not a one-for-one deal. It would have to be someone (other than Connor McDavid) agreeing to waive their no-trade clause to bring in two or three pieces in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moddejonge suggested everyone except McDavid should be on the table. Those with no-trade/no-movement clauses include Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Darnell Nurse and Campbell.

Good luck convincing any of them to waive their clauses or find a suitable trade partner this early in a season with a flattened salary cap. It’s not impossible but it’s still damn difficult to pull off.

Moves of that magnitude tend to occur in the offseason when teams have more cap space and willingness to swing major trades.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy wondered what would happen if the Oilers contacted the Bruins about Linus Ullmark.

ESPN host John Buccigross recently suggested the Oilers offer up Draisaitl and Warren Foegele in exchange for Ullmark, winger Jake DeBrusk, rookie Matthew Poitras, prospect Fabian Lysell and the Oilers’ 2026 first-round pick. However, Murphy doesn’t see that deal happening, in part because the Oilers are likely on Ullmark’s 16-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Off to another strong start, the Bruins are under no pressure to make that kind of move at this stage in the season. Not that they wouldn’t be interested in Draisaitl but the cost of his contract and what they’d have to give up to get him right now doesn’t suit their immediate needs. Besides, it’s a moot point if the Oilers are on Ullmark’s no-trade list.

COULD THE CANUCKS MAKE A BIG MOVE?

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston recently addressed a question from one of his readers regarding speculation that the Vancouver Canucks could be planning to add “a big piece” to their roster.

Johnston cited sources claiming that the Canucks would like to add another forward. However, it won’t be an easy swap to make. They’d also love to add another defenseman to their blueline.

The Canucks have tried to move Tyler Myers’ contract but they may be stuck with it until it expires at the end of this season. They’ve also looked into moving forwards Conor Garland and Anthony Beauvillier but both are struggling to score which hurts their value in the trade market. Unlike Myers, they lack no-trade protection which could help efforts to move them later in the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks’ hot start to the season alleviates pressure to make a big early-season move. Nevertheless, they’ll likely continue to monitor the trade market and gauge interest in Myers, Garland and Beauvillier as the season continues.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 19, 2023

by | Oct 19, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 19, 2023

An update on the Hurricanes’ Brett Pesce, concerns over the Kings’ goaltending and a suggestion about a recent Vezina Trophy winner as a trade option for the Lightning in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATE ON BRETT PESCE

CAROLINA HOCKEY NOW: Bryant Baucom recently cited The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta claiming the Hurricanes management hoped to get Brett Pesce signed to a contract extension worth between $4 million and $5 million annually during the offseason.

Pesce, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Pagnotta claimed the blueliner wants to stay in Carolina and management still hopes to get him under contract.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce (NHL Images).

With the salary cap set to rise significantly for next season, Baucom suggested there’s a chance to extend a more reasonable offer to Pesce. He felt that the blueliner would likely seek something around the $7 million range. If Pesce is re-signed, it would likely mean the end of Brady Skjei’s tenure with the Hurricanes

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have over $32 million in projected cap space for 2024-25 but just nine active roster players under contract. Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis are restricted free agents in line for healthy raises as well next season. Management must also re-sign or replace pending UFAs such as Teuvo Teravainen, Antti Raanta and Jordan Martinook.

GOALTENDING COULD BECOME AN EARLY PROBLEM FOR THE KINGS

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli suggested that goaltending could be an early-season issue for the Los Angeles Kings. Their tandem of Cam Talbot and Pheonix Copley struggled through the club’s first two games with Talbot giving up four goals in a 5-2 loss to Colorado and Copley allowing five in a 6-5 shootout loss to Carolina.

Seravalli acknowledged Copley’s record last season (24-6-3) was “pretty damn good” but his underlying numbers were not. The oft-injured Talbot, meanwhile, was not very good last season with the Ottawa Senators even when healthy.

Kings GM Rob Blake will likely be patient but Seravalli speculates he could start seeking help between the pipes if Talbot and Copley fail to improve.

Montreal’s Cayden Primeau, Philadelphia’s Felix Sandstrom or Samuel Ersson could be trade or waiver options. Calgary’s Dan Vladar could be available for a second-round draft pick or perhaps they could look into signing free agent Jaroslav Halak.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Talbot was solid in the Kings’ 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, finishing with 27 saves and a .963 save percentage. A few more games like that could alleviate that concern about their goaltending. Nevertheless, this situation could be worth keeping an eye on in the coming weeks.

COULD THE BRUINS OFFER UP ULLMARK TO THE LIGHTNING?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: With Tampa Bay Lightning starter Andrei Vasilevskiy sidelined until early December, Stan Fischler recently suggested the possibility of the Boston Bruins offering up Linus Ullmark to the Bolts. He noted the Bruins have been grooming backup Jeremy Swayman as their future starter. However, sources informed Fischler that Lightning GM Julien BriseBois has no plans to trade for a goalie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins have no intention of trading Ullmark this season as they prefer to keep their award-winning goalie tandem intact. Besides, he carries a 16-team no-trade clause this season along with a $5 million cap hit that would be tough to move at this stage in the season.

Even if Ullmark was available, the Lightning couldn’t afford to acquire him. Yes, they have $7.7 million in cap space with Vasilevskiy on LTIR but they must become cap-compliant when he’s ready to return to action. Besides, the Bruins’ asking price would likely be too expensive for the Bolts, who don’t have much trade capital in terms of draft picks and prospects.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 13, 2023

by | Oct 13, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 13, 2023

Musing over whether the Oilers would pursue Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark plus the latest on the Flames’ Elias Lindholm, the Senators’ Shane Pinto, and the Hurricanes’ defense corps in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD THE OILERS PURSUE BRUINS GOALIE LINUS ULLMARK?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: That’s the question Jimmy Murphy pondered after watching the Edmonton Oilers get blown out 8-1 by the Vancouver Canucks in their season opener on Wednesday.

Murphy cited an NHL executive source saying a few more games like that from Oilers goalies Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner will force general manager Ken Holland into the trade market seeking a more permanent solution between the pipes. The source claimed they had heard the Oilers expressed interest in Bruins netminders Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman over the summer.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Ullmark carries a modified no-trade clause and might be reluctant about moving to Edmonton. Murphy also pointed out that both clubs have limited cap space this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s way too early to start pondering whether Holland will hit the panic button and go shopping for a more reliable starting goalie. Yes, the Oilers’ season-opener was awful but it wasn’t just on their goalies. The whole club looked flatter than pancakes for that contest.

I expect Campbell and/or Skinner will improve in the coming weeks. If they don’t, Holland could end up having to shop for help. As for Ullmark, I don’t see the Bruins parting with him unless their season goes off the rails.

FLAMES ARE NO CLOSE TO AN EXTENSION WITH LINDHOLM

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports dialogue continues between the Calgary Flames and Elias Lindholm regarding a new contract for the 28-year-old center. While there’s been no line in the sand from either side, they’re nowhere close yet on a number that works for both sides.

LeBrun speculates the Flames may be looking at Mark Scheifele’s seven-year extension worth $8.5 million annually with the Winnipeg Jets as a possible comparable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is probably going to go on all season. The Flames can point to Scheifele’s contract but Lindholm’s camp believes his two-way play is worth more. Most pundits believe it’s probably going to cost over $9 million for the Flames to get him under contract.

SENATORS STILL TRYING TO FREE UP CAP SPACE FOR PINTO

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion is still working the phones trying to move a player to free up sufficient cap room to re-sign restricted free agent Shane Pinto.

Dorion has been trying to move Mathieu Joseph. Dreger also said he’s had conversations about moving defenseman Erik Brannstrom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is what happens when you invest $5 million in an unrestricted free-agent winger like Vladimir Tarasenko without first ensuring you’ve got sufficient cap space to re-sign a key restricted free agent such as Pinto.

The Senators seemed to be counting on Pinto accepting a bargain-basement deal given his lack of leverage coming off his entry-level contract. Instead, the Pinto camp has dug in its heels and shows no sign of budging.

Dorion is left scrambling to move a salaried player in a season where most clubs are also pressed for cap space. Many teams can’t afford Joseph’s $2.95 million cap hit or Brannstrom’s $2 million. Those who could will want something else attached like a draft pick or a quality prospect.

NO MOVES COMING FOR HURRICANES BLUELINE

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette reported on Wednesday that Carolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said his club is not actively trying to shop a defenseman. However, he said it’s his job to listen if a club comes calling.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pending UFA defensemen Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei were frequent topics of trade chatter during the offseason. The Hurricanes’ blueline depth entering this season also prompted speculation that one of them could be used as a trade chip to land a scoring winger.

Much will depend on the Hurricanes’ performance and where they are in the standings leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

WHY ARE TEAMS HOARDING GOALTENDERS?

TSN: Chris Johnston noted several teams, such as the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks are carrying three goaltenders on their respective rosters this season. He thinks a lot of those teams are trying to hold back one of their veteran goalies rather than risk losing them to waivers.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2023

by | Sep 5, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2023

Why didn’t the Bruins trade a goalie this summer? Could they pursue Jets center Mark Scheifele? Could Tomas Tatar end up with the Islanders? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

98.5 THE SPORT HUB: Ty Anderson offered up his thoughts on the Boston Bruins with training camps opening later this month. Despite an offseason that saw the departures of key talent such as Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, he believes the Bruins could still be competitive in the Atlantic Division this season.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images)

Regarding why the Bruins didn’t trade a goaltender to address their needs at center, Anderson pointed out that Linus Ullmark had a no-trade clause that required his consent to be dealt to half the league. There was some scuttlebutt claiming that a team offered up a fair market offer for Ullmark. However, it would’ve meant “a corresponding trade that never happened” as well as Ullmark waiving his NTC.

Anderson thinks the Bruins weren’t keen to move Jeremy Swayman. There was a rumor claiming the 24-year-old netminder wanted a trade in order to be closer to his parents in Alaska. That speculation was “bogus” as Swayman’s parents no longer live in Alaska.

If the Bruins end up being a fringe playoff club by the trade deadline, Anderson hopes that they go into sell mode. Of their eight pending unrestricted free agents, only Jake DeBrusk should be considered an automatic re-signing. He believes the rest (including Milan Lucic, James van Riemsdyk, and Matt Grzelcyk) should be shopped as their value at the trade deadline could be higher than in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some interesting tidbits regarding Ullmark and Swayman. The Bruins appear determined to ride their goalie tandem this season as they try to cope with the loss of their top two centers.

The trade rumors surrounding Ullmark and Swayman have died down in recent weeks. Still, they could resurface at some point this season if the Bruins can’t adjust to the absences of Bergeron and Krejci.

Given Swayman’s eligibility as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer, they could be forced to choose between one or the other at some point. Much will depend on how both goalies perform this season.

I expect the Bruins will be sellers if they’re a borderline playoff club or out of postseason contention leading up to the trade deadline. As Anderson points out, the 2024 first-round pick they sent to the Detroit Red Wings last season for Tyler Bertuzzi is top-10 protected. A selloff of pending UFAs at the trade deadline, if they’re already out of contention, could ensure that they retain that pick, meaning the Wings get the 2025 pick.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy noted that the Bruins have been linked to Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele since Bergeron and then Krejic announced their retirements.

He cited Mark McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press suggesting Boston could make sense for the 30-year-old Scheifele, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. McIntyre wondered what the Bruins could offer up for the Jets, who would be interested in retooling their roster rather than rebuild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy questions if Scheifele would be a good fit with the Bruins given his reputation as difficult to coach. I have my doubts that the Bruins have sufficient depth in tradeable assets to make a competitive bid for him if he hits the trade block.

Even if they did land Scheifele, it remains to be seen if he would significantly improve the Bruins. It could work out well, providing them with the inside track to re-signing him. If not, they’ll end up squandering their precious few assets on a rental that didn’t work out.

COULD TATAR END UP WITH THE ISLANDERS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner noted there hasn’t been much news of late regarding Tomas Tatar. The 32-year-old winger is coming off a 48-point performance last season with the New Jersey Devils but remains available in this summer’s UFA market.

Rosner wonders if Tatar might already have a contract in hand with an NHL club but it hasn’t been officially announced yet. He points out that New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello has a reputation for such stealth signings during the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the Tatar speculation had him linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins. So far, however, there’s no indication yet that he’s close to signing with them.

We can’t dismiss the possibility of a club like the Isles having already signed him but not announcing it until training camp begins. With training camps opening on Sep. 21, we’ll find out soon enough.